The state released an audit Thursday that says the Nashville Electric Service paid one manufacturer and its distributor more than $17 million over the last eight years for electric power cable that wasMore >

The state released an audit Thursday that says the Nashville Electric Service paid one manufacturer and its distributor more than $17 million in the last eight years for electric power cable that was not properly bid.More >

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

The two men at the top of Nashville's power grid were called to account before a Metro Council panel Monday after the Nashville Electric Service was the subject of a scathing audit.

NES President Decosta Jenkins and Robert McCabe, chairman of the NES Electric Power Board, answered questions after the state comptroller's office found everything from questionable credit card purchases to a top employee selling surplus NES items on eBay and then not cooperating with investigators from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Councilman Charlie Tygard pressed the top officials over questionable travel expenses such as ratepayer money spent for alcohol, extra nights in hotels and a lack of receipts.